John Prescott tells ITV News: Tony Blair's transplant comment is appalling - I can't believe he said it

Lord Prescott described Blair's remarks as "abusive" Credit: ITV News

John Prescott has launched a scathing attack on his former boss, after Tony Blair told Labour members wanting to vote with their hearts to "get a transplant".

"It was appalling, it was abusive - I can't believe that he said it," Lord Prescott told ITV News' Carl Dinnen.

"For Tony to say that - to have a transplant if you speak with a bit of passion - I'd better line up myself for that. That was terrible."

Blair waded into an increasingly bitter leadership contest without subtlety in a speech yesterday, and reserved stiff criticism for the left-wing candidate Jeremy Corbyn.

The ex-prime minister said people who felt they should vote for Corbyn with their hearts should "get a transplant".

Lord Prescott said he was stunned by the intervention, claiming the whole leadership election was plagued by "abuse".

Tony Blair has been criticised by his former deputy. Credit: PA Wire

He continued: "This whole election at the moment is really one of great abuse. I think we should be talking not about personalities but about policies."

Prescott did not hold back in his criticism of party advisers, claiming it was an election for ordinary members, and insisting that Labour grandees should "calm down".

He also admitted to encouraging Jeremy Corbyn to stand so the party could have the widest range of options to vote for.

He added: "At the end of the day it's a party decision - one member one vote... The MPs' vote is no greater than the ordinary members'."